Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 4

Posted on | Posted by Sam Hyland

1. Redzel
Previous Rank: 1st
Last Start: September 1, Concorde Stakes (1st)

Last year’s winner is the new favourite after Trapeze Artist had his colours lowered at the weekend. Following his stunning first-up win in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m), Redzel will take a stack of beating in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Rmaandwick on Saturday.

2. Trapeze Artist
Previous Rank: 2nd
Last Start: September 8, Theo Marks Stakes (3rd)

The multiple Group 1 winner was third in Saturday’s Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill, and although he went under, his effort was more than satisfactory. He was on a Heavy 8, first up over 1300m, and had to lump 61kg.

3. Vega Magic
Previous Rank: 3rd
Last Start: September 1, Memsie Stakes (4th)

The Lindsay Park-trained sprinter will head in to the $13 million race without another run. I like the idea of a freshen-up for him. Vega Magic will trial at Albury on September 20.

4. Invincible Star
Previous Rank: 4th
Last Start: September 1, Concorde Stakes (3rd)

She may have been beaten in the Concorde behind Redzel, but she wasn’t disgraced, and I expect her to derive great benefit from that outing. Nominated to run in The Shorts.

5. Shoals
Previous Rank: 5th
Last Start: September 8, McEwen Stakes (3rd)

I really like this mare. Her first-up third behind Nature Strip (who broke the track record) in the Group 2 McEwen (1000m) on Saturday was full of merit, and not only will she be better over longer, she will derive great benefit from that run.

6. Santa Ana Lane
Previous Rank: 6th
Last Start: September 1, The Heath (5th)

Resumed with a ‘flashing light’ fifth in The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield recently. He was wide and his last 100m was the best part of his race.

7. Graff
Previous Rank: Unranked
Last Start: September 8, Run To The Rose (2nd)

Beaten but not disgraced in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) on Saturday. He’s a really smart colt, and would be my choice for the final slot.

8. U S Navy Flag
Previous Rank: 8th
Last Start: July 14, July Cup UK (1st)

It’s great to see an international in the race, and this bloke shouldn’t be underestimated. Master Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien knows what it takes to win a race of this magnitude. His July Cup win at Newmarket in July was enormous.

9. Nature Strip
Previous Rank: 9th
Last Start: September 8, McEwen Stakes (1st)

He broke the track record in the McEwen, but I still doubt whether he can mix it with the best over 1200m. Was confirmed as the 11th slot holder earlier in the week.

10. In Her Time
Previous Rank: 10th
Last Start: May 12, Doomben 10,000 (9th)

Reports are that she’ll have an exhibition gallop on Newcastle Cup day on Friday then a barrier trial five days later before a first-up run in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 29. Looking forward to seeing her return.

11. English
Previous Rank: 12th
Last Start: May 26, Kingsford-Smith Cup (4th)

This mare has had two trials now, and looks to have come back in good order. English is slated to resume in Saturday’s The Shorts, and she has a very good first-up record (3/6).

12. Brave Smash
Previous Rank: Unranked
Last Start: September 1, The Heath (3rd)

After his encouraging first-up run (third in the Group 3 The Heath, 1100m), we’ll see the former Japanese again this Saturday, either in Melbourne or Sydney. His form card suggests he improves with racing.

Dropping Out: Kementari, Pierata

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